Logan Thompson, a potential Vezina Trophy finalist at year’s end, has been sensational in the Washington Capitals’ first two playoff games, stopping a combined 58 of 61 shots. His play has helped push the Caps to a 2-0 lead in their first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens.
But personally, I’m a little worried he’s unaware he’s like, playing in the playoffs.
Wednesday, after leading the Capitals to a 3-1 victory, Thompson was asked by the media for his perspective on what the game was like from his goalie crease. Montreal, for the second straight game, came out flat before having a furious comeback attempt during the third period.
“I thought the first two periods we controlled the play, and they didn’t really have much. So give credit to the guys for that,” Thompson said. “We knew they were going to come out in the third like they did last game. It’s easy to get into it when you make those saves. You’re definitely right back into the game. It could easily swing the other way if a couple of those go in and you’re fighting it, right? Luckily, things went my way tonight and we got the two points.”
Yes, the two points. Standings points, obviously, are a thing in playoff hockey. Don’t you remember the 1971 Boston Bruins winning the Stanley Cup after earning the fourth tiebreaker for taking fewer penalty minutes than the Hartford Whalers in Game 16?
Okay, just to be clear, I made all of that up. Only wins and series victories matter, of course.
The best part about Thompson’s gaffe, or confused comment, or cliche gone wrong, was that he was sharing a podium with Dylan Strome, sitting to his left. Strome, who appeared to be zoning out when not speaking, heard the “two points” comment. A second later, he turned his head at LT to offer clarity.
“Playoffs, no two points,” he said.
“Oh!” Thompson said as he shivered like a discombobulated robot man.
After missing the final seven games of the regular season due to an upper-body injury and uttering hockey cliches for most of his life, I will give Logan a pass. Maybe unplug and re-plug him back in again, and he’ll be fine.
